Columbus Spring Autograph Opportunities

     As of this last week of March 2012, there are only a handful of Blue Jackets practices left. The practices that take place at the Dispatch Ice Haus are always great places to get an autograph. The practices that take place at the Nationwide Arena that are open do not allow for autograph opportunities. Check the schedule at their website here under the Schedule Tab to see where and when the practices will be held.
     Next Weds. April 4th at the LC Pavillion from 5-8 pm will be a free event to Meet the Clippers. There are autograph sessions. We have never attended this event, but I understand it is a nice way to collect the Clippers' players autographs. Such up and coming players as Lonnie Chisenhall and Matt LaPorta in the Indians system have been sent to the Clippers to start the season. They are a good bet to be there.
     When the Clippers moved from Cooper Stadium to Huntington Park, we were disappointed. Not because Huntington is not a great park -- we love it! But because Cooper Stadium was such an amazing place to get the opposing team's players autograph. In order to get to the dugout, they had to go around the third base side stands. They would walk a few feet from the railing. We had a lot of luck getting the Louisville Bats to sign there -- one day, the only guy who did not sign for us was Homer Bailey (a tough autograph).
     As some time has passed, we actually are having good luck with the Bats and Clippers signing autographs at Huntington Park. Ted Power, the former Reds pitcher and the pitching coach of the Bats, is always willing to sign -- thanks, Mr. Power! And last year, we had good luck with a number of games. As always, it pays to be down by the dugout (Clippers on the first base side; visitors on the third base side) when the players first come out. Many times, we have worn the gear of the major league team (Reds, Indians, etc.) and had good fortune with autographs. I must admit, we do not always do so well identifying the up and coming players as they come by, decreasing our success. And interestingly, the rosters on the team's website can change so quickly the website is out of date. I called a Louisville Bat by the wrong name last year because the roster on the website had not been updated -- though thanks for signing for us anyway, Jeremy Horst!
     So good luck with the Spring autograph hunting!

This is a picture of Sam, Adam, and Noah at a Clippers game last year when they each were tossed a ball!